Thao Trinh
Bong, a passionate traveler from Korea, has made numerous trips across Southeast Asia, visiting countries such as Thailand and the Philippines. She is particularly fond of exploring Vietnam, having visited Da Nang five times, with her most recent trip at the end of April.
On her latest visit, Bong sought a different experience, exploring new destinations while also indulging in familiar pleasures. She visited the Son Tra Peninsula and enjoyed the vibrant café scene, savoring the distinctive taste of Vietnamese coffee. Her daily ritual includes drinking two cups of coffee, a habit she maintains whenever she visits.
Bong also experienced the "lightning-fast" tailoring services at Han Market, receiving a custom outfit within 30 minutes.
One of the main reasons Bong keeps returning to Da Nang is the delicious and affordable food. She dined at popular restaurants recommended on Google and discovered new eateries favored by locals.
Among her favorite dishes are Nem lui, Phở bò, Bun cha Ha Noi, and Mrs Phuong's banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches). She also enjoyed seafood dishes such as grilled scallops and shrimp with butter sauce at a restaurant on Vo Nguyen Giap Street.
Of all the dishes, Nem lui stood out the most. "Grilled minced pork skewer is rolled with ingredients and dipped in a rich sweet and sour fish sauce. It is rich and fatty, while the fried cover is crispy and delicious," Bong described.
Bong's love for mangoes leads her to seek out various mango-based dishes each time she visits Da Nang. This summer, she enjoyed refreshing mango desserts, such as bingsu, a shaved ice dessert topped with fruit, fresh cream, or jelly.
"At first, I found the taste of mango quite strong, but I gradually got used to it. Ripe mangoes are really delicious," she commented.
After three days in Da Nang, Bong was very satisfied with her experience. She praised the city for its affordability, beautiful scenery, and friendly people. "Da Nang deserves to be called a 'livable city' because the cost of living and shopping are affordable, and the food and prices are diverse, from high-end to affordable," she said.
Bong noted that she has not encountered any "rip-offs" in Da Nang and feels comfortable bargaining with locals. "I understand why Da Nang has become a favorite tourist destination for Korean tourists. The local restaurants I visited also had many foreign tourists. The trip was really interesting, as if it was my first time in this city," she shared.
After her time in Da Nang, Bong also visited the ancient city of Hoi An, impressed by its idyllic scenery and warm, sincere people. She enjoyed the specialties of the old town and appreciated its rustic charm.